Can Simulated Nature Support Mental Health? Comparing Short, Single-Doses of 360-Degree Nature Videos in Virtual Reality With the Outdoors

TLDR

Nature exposure in virtual reality can provide emotional well‑being benefits for people who cannot access the outdoors, yet little is known about how these simulated experiences compare with real outdoor experiences. The study tests whether six minutes of outdoor nature exposure and six minutes of a 360‑degree VR nature video recorded at the same location produce comparable effects on physiological arousal, mood, and restorativeness. Skin conductivity, restorativeness, and mood were measured before and after each exposure in healthy undergraduate students. Both exposures increased physiological arousal, positive mood, and restorativeness versus an indoor control, but only outdoor exposure raised positive mood, and VR nature still offered benefits beyond individual preferences and demographics, suggesting VR could support emotional health where outdoor access is limited.

Abstract

Nature exposure in virtual reality (VR) can provide emotional well-being benefits for people who cannot access the outdoors. Little is known about how these simulated experiences compare with real outdoor experiences. We conduct an experiment with healthy undergraduate students that tests the effects of six minutes of outdoor nature exposure with six minutes of exposure to a 360-degree VR nature video, which is recorded at the outdoor nature exposure location. Skin conductivity, restorativeness, and mood before and after exposure are measured. We find that both types of nature exposure increase physiological arousal, benefit positive mood levels, and are restorative compared to an indoor setting without nature; however, for outdoor exposure, positive mood levels increase and for virtual nature, they stay the same. Nature shows benefits over and above the variance explained by participants' preferences, nature and VR experiences, and demographic characteristics. Settings where people have limited access to nature might consider using VR nature experiences to promote emotional health.